Introducing... Han
What's your name?
Zhuoxin Han.
What's your role?
EDI Sabbatical Officer.
Tell us a bit about yourself...
Dog and Coffee lover, love Yoga and Pilate, law student.
Why did you run in the elections?
Experienced several discrimination crimes; do not wish these bad experiences to happen again to any of us again.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
Covered gym classes when the instructor failed to show up. Luckily enough, did not ruin those sessions.
HAN HAN Manifesto
Diverse Voices, United Future: Say NO to Racism, Say NO to Discrimination! Join Han in Bridging Gaps and Building Paths at Birkbeck. Together, We Navigate, Empower, and Celebrate Diversity!
Hello everyone, I'm Han, a second-year LLB-Law student. As an Asian female international student, I'm acutely aware of the unequal opportunities faced by those from less advantaged backgrounds. Last year, I diligently observed various companies, attended their Open days, and engaged with numerous individuals from underrepresented groups. Racism and sexism are pervasive issues; some have encountered workplace discrimination, while others, notably mature female students, grapple with job security concerns. I've personally experienced verbal abuse while walking alone at night, confronting the harsh reality of being a minority in the UK. Initially unfamiliar with the term 'BAME', I questioned its ability to encapsulate the diverse backgrounds, countries, and cultures it represents. Such broad labels oversimplify and erase the richness of individual experiences within underrepresented groups. Regardless of color, ethnicity, age, or gender, each of us is unique. Negative experiences persist, but together, as students and staff at Birkbeck, we can take a stand: Say NO to racism, Say NO to discrimination!
To address inequality, I aim to provide practical support. Having navigated the challenges of a foreign legal system and significant familial changes, I recognize the need for tailored assistance. I plan to conduct interview sessions with legal professionals, offering valuable insights for current and prospective law students. I encourage media students to contribute to documenting our university journeys. Additionally, I seek to expand opportunities for foundation and first-year students awaiting enrollment and provide guidance to those facing academic pressures. By offering guidance akin to a Google map, these sessions aim to alleviate anxiety and assist in charting future career paths.
I'll host various topic salons, including those focused on female, LGBTQ, underrepresented, life-challenged, full-time working, international/exchange, and parental/carer students, welcoming participation from all BBK members. Listening to and understanding diverse perspectives fosters deeper connections and broadens horizons. Consider the disparities among individuals raised in different countries; for instance, I only tried lentils for the first-time last year. Embracing cultural diversity enriches our understanding of the world. Active engagement in these salons can spark inspiration and dissolve biases. In Birkbeck, opportunities abound to explore different cultures—a chance not to be missed!